The Press Box.

Ex-illini Small Gets 4 Years In Prison On Cocaine Count

Former Illinois player Ervin Small faces just over four years in prison on a cocaine charge after aiding authorities in prosecuting other drug traffickers.

U.S. District Judge Michael McCuskey in Urbana imposed a 51-month term during a hearing Thursday. Small, 32, could have received a sentence of between 11 and 14 years.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hoff said Small had "placed himself at great risk" by assisting police, wearing a wire and testifying before a grand jury against others currently being prosecuted.

"There's no question this was dangerous," Hoff said. "Threats have been made to the defendant and his family."

Small pleaded guilty last June to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

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